WAR veterans in Northwich are up in arms after thieves stole several poppy crosses from graves in Northwich Cemetery.

The cemetery is the final resting place of around 80 men who died fighting for their country and every year old comrades Ernie Plumb and Arthur Tomkinson remember them by placing a poppy cross at each grave.

The crosses are provided by Northwich Royal British Legion, where both men are members.

Mr Plumb served in the Royal Navy during the last world war while Mr Tomkinson saw action at Dunkirk and Arnhem.

'I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to steal poppy crosses from a war grave, but that is exactly what has happened. Whoever did it is desecrating the memories of men who served their country and paid the ultimate price for it,' said Mr Plumb.